www.alysonhorcher.com: July 2014

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Crock Pot Clean Beef Fajitas

www.alysonhorcher.com, back to school, back to school quick meals, back to school quick dinners, back to school meal planning, back to school crock pot ideas, crock pot dinners, clean crock pot dinners, clean crock pot meals, healthy crock pot dinners, healthy crock pot meals, crock pot recipes, healthy crock pot recipes, clean crock pot recipes, crock pot clean beef fajitas, crock pot beef fajitas, beef fajitas, easy to make beef fajitas, meal planning

Well reality hit me recently as I realized Back to School is going to be here very soon! This year in the Horcher house it is going to be a bit different as we are adding another child to the school system and we are adding more activities to our schedule. No complaints at all as I am REALLY REALLY REALLY excited for all that is yet to come!

All of this being said I want to make sure even though our schedules are becoming more packed that we do not stray from the healthy habits I have worked so hard to make part of our every day!! Well how on Earth am I going to do that? Well first I will meal plan and prep as I always have but this year we will be spending more time with my best friend the CROCK POT!

If you do not own a Crock Pot I have to tell you it is one piece of equipment my kitchen will never go without!! So I am telling you now, go get yourself a Crock Pot of your very own and you can thank me later.

What is so great about the Crock Pot is your can throw a bunch of ingredients in the bowl, turn it on (don't forget this part as it is really important), and hours later enjoy an incredible meal!! Yes people your heard it right your whole meal can cook in this handy dandy small kitchen appliance!!

So now you didn't come to my website to hear about how great the crock pot is, instead you came here because you wanted a great tasting Beef Fajita recipe and well it happens to be one I did in the crock pot (my goal is to add a new crock pot recipe each week to my recipe box BEFORE school begins!!)

Here you go...

Crock Pot Clean Beef Fajitas

Ingredient...

1 1/2 pounds flank steak

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons Liquid Aminos (I like Braggs)

2 cloves garlic, minced

4-5 bell peppers, chopped (I used red, green, & yellow because I like them all!)

1 onion, diced

1 1/2 cups of clean salsa (check those ingredients!!)

Directions...

1. Get that Crock Pot ready for some cooking!!

2. Cut the meat into about 6 pieces and place in the crock pot

3. Add onion and peppers

4. Add remaining ingredients and mix around (as best you can in a crock pot!)

5. Turn your Crock Pot on high and cook for 5-6 hours or low for 8 hours (or until the meet is cooked to your desired tenderness)

6. Remove meat from crock pot and shred with 2 forks (after cooking in the crock pot the meat fall apart - oh soo good!). Then return to crock pot.

7. Use a slotted spoon to get your meat and veggies from the crock pot

7. Serve any way like!! My family personally likes making our fajitas with whole wheat tortillas, cheddar cheese, gaucamole, sometimes Greek yogurt, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Sometimes I will go without the tortilla and make brown rice or quinoa for a side.

what ours looked like

Last but not least always ENJOY!!

It REALLY is that easy to eat healthy! It all comes down to the foods you choose to let enter your body! Not sure how to get started? I can help. I was there once too where I wasn't sure either but thankfully I was able to get started with the right help from a friend and now it is my turn to share my knowledge with you!!

If you are interested in learning more about how you too can lead a healthier lifestyle please CONTACT ME!! It doesn't matter if you are at the beginning or if you already have some good habits started. There is always room to learn more and I can help you do that!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe

and we will do it

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

Monday, July 21, 2014

Meal Planning Mondays...Staying on Track

Often people ask me why I take the time to meal plan.

I ask them why they don't take the time to meal plan.

www.alysonhorcher.com, meal planning mondays, meal planning, clean eating, healthy eating, weight loss, how to lose weight with meal planning, why meal planning is important, how meal planning helped me lose weight

I know I know, I have been there before at the beginning of wanting to lose weight & wanting to get healthier. I knew I had to change my eating habits. Little did I know though that by planning out my healthy meals in advance would not only keep me on track but save me time and money. Triple BONUS!

However...I fought meal planning for quite some time because I didn't want to take the time to write it out. I had a plan in my head I told myself and my coach. She kept telling me meal planning is key. I yes'd her and went about my business.

Well let me tell you when I didn't have that meal plan written on paper in plain sight then for sure I was NOT going to follow it. and I didn't!! I also didn't pre prep anything for the week because again I felt like it was unnecessary!!

Time went by and I don't know what clicked inside my stubborn head but something did and I began meal planning and from there on there was no going back!! I saw the benefits of meal planning my first week.

I stayed on track for the most part with eating healthy foods. Where I got into trouble though is when I didn't have food prepped and ready to go. Those times I caught myself either skipping a meal/snack OR choosing an unhealthy option.

So what did I do the next week? I meal planned and PREPPED!!

the rest was History!!

Need a boost to get yourself moving in the direction of meal planning??
Here are some of my reasons why I do it...

Speaking from experience, yes in the beginning it did take some time to put together my plan. Now it takes me no time 10 minutes tops!! The only time I do take a bit longer is when I am searching for new recipes (LOVE new recipes!) and if I am incorporating a new fitness program's Nutrition plan (Like the 21 day Fix or PiYo - both of these programs rock by the way FITNESS & NUTRITION!!)

Speaking of PiYo I am starting Week 2 of my PiYo journey TODAY!! I do have to say I am loving this program and the nutrition guide is super easy to follow.

I am a girl who loves food and I am happy to say I have not felt hungry once while following the PiYo plan. I also have a PiYo Health and Fitness group going on right now and they too are reporting in how fulfilled they are!!

Here is my Week 2 PiYo Meal Plan - check it out and see what you think!!

The information in parentheses are a way for me to track my food groups:

Primary Vegetables (PV)

Secondary Vegetables and Grains (2V)

Fresh Fruit (F)

Lean Protein (P)

Healthy Fats (HF)

Am I perfect each week sticking to what I plan?

NO but my goal is to follow as close as possible.

Hey things come up in life!

Like last week my husband and I found ourselves with a night without kids so we went on an impromptu date. Based on all my knowledge now of healthy eating I am able to make better choices even while out to eat!! For the most part I stayed on track (minus the Raspberry Margaritas!)

When prepping I still use my 21 day Fix color coded portion control containers! These containers make my life easier!! (I told you I was a fan!!)

Meal Planning can be done and I am proof that it helps in so many ways!

If you are struggling with your nutrition and know you need help - please ASK!! Send me a quick message saying "I need help meal planning!" and I will take it from there.

Now is the time to learn how to live a

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe

and we will do it

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Turkey Quinoa Meatballs

Coming soon...but for tonight it is time for bed
Check back tomorrow as I will have updated with the recipe

Until then Sweet Dreams!!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Week 10 Chalean Extreme and T25 Hybrid

www.alysonhorcher.com, exercise in the morning, chalean extreme, t25, chalean extreme/T25 hybrid, meal planning mondays, meal planning

The End is Near!! I can't help but get a little sad when I am in my last week of a fitness program. For sure I am excited because I want to see how I have progressed but I am sad too because these programs are my daily MOJO. They get me going first thing in the morning.
They break up a bad mood I might have woken up with or had lingering from the night before. These workouts become a part of who I am!! Even when I don't want to get out of bed, all I need is 5 minutes and BAM I am in the zone!!

How wouldn't you get in the zone when you have either Chalene Johnson or Shaun T ready to work your body!!

Well my time with these two fitness gems is coming to an end but I do have one more week and I plan to make it my best yet!! Of course my way of staying on track is to have a plan in place and that all comes down to getting my meal plan together for the week! You got that right, it is...

We were away this past weekend for the 4th of July but that did not stop me from planning and prepping for my week ahead. Sunday as I normally do I made my meal plan and today I worked on some prep!! I am now on a schedule where I am trying to only go grocery shopping every other week. I buy produce in bulk and use these "fresh" bags and containers and it helps keep my veggies and fruits fresh! I save money this way and if you know me I am a woman who likes to save money!!

Here is my plan for the week:

Trying some new recipes and using some good ole favorites too! I continue to follow the 21 day Fix Nutrition plan because I really like it!! Next week though I will break into the PiYo nutrition plan!!

When I am planning I always ask what my family would like to eat too!! My goal for when the school year starts is to also incorporate the kids meals on my meal plan too. Going to school they will be brown bagging it so what I am having for lunch and snacks might not be doable in the school setting. Something to think about for sure!! If you are a meal planner I would love to hear how you incorporate school snacks and lunches into your plan. What are you kids favorites? I know that time will be here soon!!

Well another day, another week - let's make the most of it!!

www.alysonhorcher.com, exercise in the morning, chalean extreme, t25, chalean extreme/T25 hybrid, meal planning mondays, meal planning, get movtivated

Now is the time to learn how to live a

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe

and we will do it

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

3-DAY REFRESH REVIEW

It is official - I am a 3-Day Refresh graduate!!

Today was my last day of the 3-day Refresh and I am excited to tell you all about it!!

www.alysonhorcher.com, 3-Day Refresh, natural cleanse, natural detox, break bad eating habits

Why did I do the Refresh?
Several reasons actually...
1. This program is brand spanking new and I wanted to find out for myself what it was all about. I loved the Shakeology 3-day Cleanse and this program is taking the place of it. Plus I want to be as knowledgeable as I can about program so that I can share them with those that could benefit!! The best way to find out how great a product is, is to try it out yourself and that is just what I did.
2. I wanted to do this program because honestly I have been in a funk lately. I am not my same ole spunky self and bad habits have been creeping back into my life. This 3-day refresh is suppose to help you get yourself back on track.
3. I have always been interested in doing the 21 day Ultimate Reset and this in my mind is a precursor to the 21 day Ultimate Reset so in my mind I am prepping myself. Get a quick taste of what 21 days might be like.

I did not do this 3-day Refresh to lose any weight so honestly I did not weight myself before or after.

www.alysonhorcher.com, 3-Day Refresh, natural cleanse, natural detox, break bad eating habits, non-scale victories

I had met my goal weight over a year ago and I have been successful at maintaining that weight. I have found over the past years that weight is not a determining factor for me anymore (I use to be a slave to the scale and it was hindering my success) - instead I focus on how I feel and how my clothes fit.

What is the 3-Day Refresh?
The 3-Day Refresh is designed for those looking for a fast, clean break-to drop a few pounds in a hurry or break some bad habits.

This gentle cleanse consists of three daily shakes, a fiber drink, plenty of filtered water, plus a wide array of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats throughout the day to keep your energy and metabolism going.

Though the plan is simple, it offers many alternatives, including some creative ways to prepare your meals, so you'll see that you can actually enjoy eating healthy food without having to season it in ways that can damage your health and undermine your weight-loss goals.

Here's the Plan:

www.alysonhorcher.com, 3-Day Refresh, natural cleanse, natural detox, break bad eating habits, what is the 3-day Refresh

I have to say I was very impressed that I was never hungry during this 3-day Refresh!! I created my meal plan based on the program guide and the food lists provided. I used vegan Tropical Strawberry for my shakeology flavor as the vegan flavors are recommended.

A sneak peak into what I ate for the three days:

www.alysonhorcher.com, 3-Day Refresh, natural cleanse, natural detox, break bad eating habits, what is the 3-Day Refresh, 3-Day Refresh foods, 3-Day Refresh meal planning

I wasn't sure what to expect (especially the Fiber Sweep I was kind of scared) but Day 1 went very well. Full and satisfied.

Out and about and I was still able to stay on track!! Took a little pre-planning but I did it!!

Day 3 of the Refresh is in the bag!! My second juicing experience and all I can say is I am so happy I am not a juicer - takes more time and I get more nutrition from my shakeology (not to mention cheaper too).

Why would YOU do the 3-Day Refresh?

Well let me ask you this first
Do any of these sounds like you?
-low energy levels
-poor sleeping habits
-excess weight
-food cravings
-brain fog

Guess what these are the Top 5 signs you need a Detox!!

Well thank goodness the 3-day Refresh is now available!!

A little ice cream here...
an extra slice of pizza there...

and before you know it, your jeans are too tight and you need a quick way to lose a few pounds and get back on track. Or maybe you're just finally ready to start a new weight loss program, and you want to jump into it with total commitment...

Carl D. - CEO Beachbody

The 3-Day Refresh is a dramatic change that will help cleanse your body and improve the way you feel...without starving yourself - YAY!!

The Refresh has specially formulated shakes for 3-day results. Easy-to-prepare "clean" meals DESIGNED to help you lose a few pounds and never feel deprived.

This is how you break the cycle of bad eating and get a jump start on a healthy lifestyle!

Sound like something you need? I think so!!

What's included with the 3-day Cleanse Kit?
When you open your "Refresh" box, the three main things you'll see (besides your welcome guide) are the Fiber Sweep packets, Vanilla Fresh packets, and of course, Shakeology.

The Fiber Sweep is a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that naturally (and gently) eliminates waste from your digestive system, while simultaneously supporting healthy intestinal flora. You drink this once per day.

The Vanilla Fresh is a high protein Vanilla Shake that helps satisfy your hunger throughout the 3 days, and delivers essential nutrition your body needs for healthy weight loss. You drink this two times per day and let me tell you this tastes oh so very good!

Want to see RESULTS?!?!

What to do Post Refresh?

Its pretty simple

1. Stay hydrated with plenty of fresh, filtered water

2. Move your body every day, even if it's a walk around the block or a couple of stretches

3. Makes Shakeology your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition. I haven't regretted adding Shakeology as part of my diet ever!!

As hard as we try, it's impossible to eat 100% clean 100% of the time. Life has a habit of getting in the way of the perfect diet. So it's important to do the best you can, but give yourself some grace when you waver. When you're ready you can do another round of the 3-day Refresh.

Those who are interested in the 3-Day Refresh be sure to CONTACT ME prior to ordering so I can walk you through the options. I would also love to help you get set up with your meal plan and answer any questions you might have!!

Next step...

Plan to REFRESH

Now is the time to learn how to live a

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe

and we will do it

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson